Endocrine Abstracts

Nepal seems to have high thyroid disorder prevalence but there has been no prevalence studies done so far in general population. We do have a few hospital based prevalence studies of hypothyroidism in Nepal. Our study aims to find the prevalence of thyroid disorders in general population in Nepal.

Methods: We did thyroid function tests of the general population through screening camps in different parts of Nepal. We screened people from 7 places in 5 districts of Nepal. 7 places were Taudaha, Kirtipur and Chabahil (Kathmandu), Lubhu (lalitpur), Gaindakot (Nawalparasi), Lokanthali (Bhaktapur) and Jutpani (Chitwan). Total 671 people were screened. We excluded patients already diagnosed with thyroid disorders. Their blood samples were collected and transported to our center’s laboratory. The tests were carried out next day by Roche ECLIA.

Results: Of 671 people screened, 29 people (4.32%) were found to have thyroid disorders. 21 people (72.41%) were diagnosed as sublinical hypothyroidism, 4(13.7%) people had primary hypothyroidism and 4(13.7%) people had hyperthyroidism. Among patients diagnosed with thyroid disorders, male:female ratio was 1:2, mean age was 42.6±13 years, mean weight was 64.3±12 kg, 12 out of 29 patients (41.37%) had family history of thyroid disorders.

Conclusion: We found the prevalence of thyroid disorders in general population in Nepal to be 4.32%. Thyroid disorders were more prevalent in females than in males (2:1). Among people diagnosed with thyroid disorders, 72.41% were diagnosed as sublinical hypothyroidism, 13.7% people had primary hypothyroidism and 13.7% people had hyperthyroidism.